Hello,

I am renting an apartment in the Canton of Vaud. Over the weekend, our mailbox, which is on the exterior of the building had its door ripped off due to wind - I'm sure it was wind, but it's the most logical.
My landlord suggested contacting ECA.
Does any one know if I'm wasting my time by contacting them?

Peter G.

ECA covers natural disasters, including violent storms, not sure if the wind we've had recently would be considered a violent storm, or just the normal bize though. Also, assuming you have already taken out such insurance.

As a renter, isn't your landlord responsible for repairs?

We replaced a mailbox recently, and it wasn't too expensive, perhaps weigh the costs of the insurance claim against price of a new mailbox before going that route if you are required to replace. Hornbach as mailboxes at reasonable prices.

I'm somewhat surprised that you as a renter have building insurance with ECA. Normally it should be the owner who is contracted and obviously you end up having it included in the rent.
So first check to see whether you really do have a contract. If not the ball is back in your owner's court. If you do have a contract, give the office listed on the contract a call. They're usually quite friendly and they don't use call-centres on the other side of the globe.